40mpg.org

In the tremendous gap between current CAFE standards and reality, a group has set the bar to reach for automobile fuel efficiency at 40 mpg or greater. The current administration hasn't seen fit to increase the quarter-century old fleet fuel efficiency standards for American cars even in the face of global crises. With the average American car achieving fuel efficiency of less than 20mpg, it is apparent auto industry has no interest in improving standards themselves. Don't count on the petroleum industry and their record profits for any help either. It will be consumers and taxpayers who inevitably foot the bill when a bloated and unrepentant American car manufacturer seeks a government bailout.

Searchable database of old photos

The Western History/Geneology Department of the Denver Public Library has an online searchable database full of terrific Denver area photos. Really a great resource.

Clean diesel on the rise

Most of the rest of the world already knows of the increased fuel efficiency and performance afforded to passenger cars by new versions of the diesel engine, which are much cleaner and more efficient than in the past. In Europe, more than 60% of all new cars are diesel powered. There are currently only a few models of diesel cars available to the American public, even though many of the manufacturers in Europe and the states are the same. Hopefully that is about to change. It's amazing that car manufacturers have taken so long to finally wake up the the fact that there is a strong and growing market for diesel cars, virtually all of which are capable of burning biodiesel or WVO. Used diesel VWs and 20 year old Mercedes diesels sell for top dollar online. Note to Detroit: someone willing to buy a used diesel car for $10k to $15k or more just might be interested in buying a new one if given the opportunity.

Freedom from religion in the military?

People who are not religious are a portion of society, so it stands to reason that they would also comprise a portion of the military. Shouldn't they receive the same honor and respect as any other veterans?

Pirate Radio from Vietnam

An active duty Air Force draftee serving in Vietnam ran a pirate radio station using the military's equipment. For a few weeks in 1971, a DJ known as Dave Rabbit broadcast acid rock, anti-military sentiment and lewd jokes, becoming a nearly instant underground hit. One of his shows was recorded and survives, available for listening in mp3 format. Dave Rabbit's exploits are part of a new film, Sir! No Sir!, documenting protest from within the military ranks during the Vietnam War. This echo from the past brings into focus the supression of military bloggers in the Iraq War and the tightly controlled shroud obscuring actual conditions and opinions of currently serving soldiers.

Tesla electric roadster

Not anemic in any way, a new electric powered supercar with a top speed of 135mph has been generating interest among some well-heeled greenies. If you've got the $100,000 it takes to obtain one of these machines, you might play a role in convincing some of your fellow members of the jet set to rise above the Hummer/Escalade parade.